The annual Goodreads Reading Challenge is in full swing, with millions of participants globally. These are impressive numbers, and they give one hope for the future. Reading books is always a good idea. Except when driving. That’s what audiobooks are for. (Audiobooks count, too!)
 
For anyone unfamiliar, the Reading Challenge is just that: Goodreads members pledge to read a certain number of books in the calendar year, then endeavor to do so with the support and encouragement of the Goodreads community at large. This year, we’ve also added various Challenge Achievements with specific mini-goals and book types. Heart Warmers! Spine Tinglers!
 
This collection is dedicated to the Reading Challenge participant who may be running a bit behind. Of course, we're big fans of just changing your book count goal if you're getting too stressed out about reaching a number. No one gets hurt! But if you're determined to meet your initial goal and need just a little help, we're here for you with this list of very short books.
 
We’ve assembled below a select array of books under 250 pages, divided into fiction and nonfiction categories. This particular collection is a mix of both new books and tried-and-true classics, and we’ve deliberately cut a wide swath through multiple genres: from Booker Prize–winning science fiction to wildly creative historical horror to potentially planet-saving ecological proposals.  
 
You can use the Want to Read button to add books to your digital bookshelf. And please keep in mind that the Reading Challenge is, at heart, a casual affair. Don’t stress yourself out! Reading should always be a fun activity.  

Click the link directly below to check in on your Reading Challenge progress—or to sign up if you haven’t already.

CHECK YOUR 2025 READING CHALLENGE